With no official events in town, Soleil Chauncey creates a safe place for Pride Month celebration

Soleil Chauncey is going to fill a void in Niagara-on-the-Lake this Sunday, June 23 by hosting a Pride Potluck at Simcoe Park.

The 12-year-old NOTL resident will recognize Pride Month at the NOTL park with friends, family and anyone else who wants to come out and respectfully celebrate.

“I want to do this because there aren’t really many Pride events in Niagara-on-the-Lake,” Soleil said in an interview.

“We are telling people to bring a picnic blanket and their most fabulous Pride outfit.”

The Royal Oak Community School student has been active celebrating Pride Month so far, but to this point has had to go outside NOTL to do so.

Soleil has painted faces and attended Pride in the Park at St. Catharines’ Montebello Park and at other events hosted by PFlag Niagara and Safe Space Niagara.

“It was really nice just to meet some other community and all these little kids that had Pride in their life from going to these Pride events since they were toddlers,” Soleil said. 

“It was really upbeat and happy and everyone just enjoyed themselves. I want a similar energy (for the Pride Potluck).”

Soleil will be painting faces and doing balloon animals at the event.

People can bring anything they want to add to the menu. “I am going to bring pesto pasta!” 

The event runs from 4 to 7 p.m., rain or shine.

People can RSVP at gethappyniagara@gmail.com and add further support by visiting the Get Happy Niagara Facebook page.